Highs and lows of mood

When the swings go beyond the usual

Everyone has better and worse days. Your mood lifts with good news and dips on a hard day, and that is normal. For some people, though, the swings are much stronger, last for days or weeks, and change the way they sleep, think and act.

When that happens, it may be a sign of bipolar disorder, a well-known health condition that can be looked after and that many people live well with. Only a professional can say whether it applies to you, after a careful conversation. This text is not for diagnosing yourself, but for understanding and knowing what to watch for.

The two sides

One side is the low phase, much like depression: low mood, tiredness, loss of interest, struggling to get out of bed, and thoughts that nothing is worth it.

The other side is a phase of high energy, which can feel good at first. Common signs: sleeping very little without feeling tired, talking fast, racing thoughts, lots of ideas and plans at once, spending without thinking, getting irritated easily, and feeling you can do anything. People close to you often notice before you do.

Between phases, many people spend long stretches feeling well. And some people feel signs of both sides at once, such as agitation together with sadness. That is why it helps to observe calmly and take notes, rather than jumping to quick conclusions about yourself.

Ongoing care makes a difference

Bipolar disorder is usually looked after by a psychiatrist, often together with a psychologist. Medication helps keep mood steadier and prevent new episodes. Talking therapy helps you learn your own signs and organise your routine.

One important rule: never stop, lower or change a medication on your own, even when you feel well. Feeling well is often a sign that the care is working. If something bothers you, such as a side effect, talk to whoever prescribed it.

Routine protects you

Sleep is one of the best gauges and also one of the best protections. Try to go to bed and wake up at similar times every day, weekends included. All-nighters, travel across time zones and parties until dawn can tip your mood off balance.

It also helps to keep regular times for eating, working and moving, and to avoid alcohol and other drugs, which unsettle sleep and mood. Recording how you are every day in the app helps you notice changes early, before they grow.

A plan for the warning signs

At a calm moment, write down your first signs that something is shifting. It might be sleeping less, getting more irritable, spending more or pulling away from people. Also write what you will do when they appear: who to talk to, which professional to call, what to set aside for a few days.

Share that plan with someone you trust, who can tell you if they notice the signs. And if thoughts of hurting yourself come up, or things get out of control, get urgent help. The help area of the app shows the crisis contacts where you live.